Foreign Languages,International Studies,and Business (A Dubious Savior

Abstract

The declining enrollments in foreign languages and international studies at U. S. institutions of higher learning continues with persistence. In an attempt to reverse this trend, analysts look to new clients to rejuvenate these fields of study. For a variety of reasons U.S. multinationals and other export ing firms are seen as potential clients. But they will not be large takers of foreign language and international studies specialists until some significant changes take place. From the corporate viewpoint, foreign languages and international studies expertise is a tool requiring a relationship to func tional business knowledge. That link needs to be made on the campuses, and the business schools are likely places to start. The burden of demonstrating the utility of interdis ciplinary programs is on the universities themselves. One key point is that these kinds of programs need to demon strate the value of interdisciplinary education to the com panies. The demand-pull from U.S. corporations for univer sity foreign language and international studies expertise will only come after the value of such is shown.